State Senator pleads to weapons offense

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:39:43 CDTBy: AP

An Illinois state senator has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor after being accused last year of trying to board a flight with a gun. Donne Trotter's attorney, Thomas Durkin, says his client entered a guilty plea to reckless conduct in a plea deal that the judge approved. Durkin says the deal calls for the conviction to be stricken if Trotter successfully completes a year of non-reporting court supervision. Trotter had faced a felony gun charge after security stopped him at O'Hare International Airport. His attorneys have said he worked a part-time security job and forgot the weapon was in a garment bag. Had Trotter been convicted of a felony, he could've lost his senate job. Durkin calls the deal "both fair and appropriate." He adds Trotter is "very relieved." The incident did derail Trotter's candidacy for an open Congressional seat.